Riviera's iconic fourth hole, once hailed by Ben Hogan as 'The greatest par-3 hole in America,' has undergone a dramatic transformation that's sparking heated debate in the golf world. But here's where it gets controversial... This legendary hole, inspired by the famed Redan at North Berwick, has been stretched to a staggering 273 yards, making it the longest par-3 on the PGA Tour. And this is the part most people miss: the changes aren't just about distance. The tee box has been shifted 30 yards to the right, altering the classic Redan angle that made this hole so unique. So, is this a brilliant update or a misguided alteration of a masterpiece? Let's dive in.
The Redan design is a golfer's nightmare—and dream—all in one. It demands precision with a longer club to a green angled at 45 degrees, sloping severely from front to back. Add a massive bunker guarding the front, a punishing one behind, and a kicker slope that funnels balls toward the pin, and you've got a hole that separates the pros from the amateurs. But with Riviera's recent tweaks, some argue the essence of this classic design has been lost.
Here’s the kicker: While the added length is grabbing headlines, the real controversy lies in the altered angle and greenside modifications. Rico Hoey, a Riviera member during his USC days, points out that the kikuyu rough and soft conditions around the green still hinder the true Redan experience. Jordan Spieth, who knows this course inside out, shrugs it off: 'Instead of a 2-iron, you’re hitting a 3-wood. It was always a crapshoot anyway.' But is that the point? Should a hole this iconic be tinkered with at all?
Two years ago, during the last Genesis Invitational, the fourth hole played as the third toughest on the course, yielding just 11 birdies and a staggering 49 over par. Pros hit the green a mere 15% of the time. This week, despite players like Hoey pulling out mini-drivers, the rain-softened conditions might offer a rare reprieve. But does that make it better? Nico Echavarria calls it 'too long,' while Rory McIlroy doesn’t hold back: 'I actually think it’s a horrible change.'
Now, here’s the question: Is Riviera’s fourth hole still the 'greatest par-3 in America,' or has it lost its soul? Does length and modernity trump tradition and design? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
